Two more suspects in NBMCH isolation

SNS, SILIGURI, 18 MARCH 2020: Three more persons were admitted in the isolation ward of the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) here today, taking the number of patients suspected of having the novel coronavirus there to six. At the same time, efforts are made to increase the bed strength as the existing six bed infrastructure seems to be inadequate given rise in the number of suspected patients.

Until yesterday, three patients, including a woman, were undergoing treatment in the isolation ward, while two women arriving from Oman and Gujarat and suffering from cold, cough and fever were admitted in the ward today.Test reports of two suspected cases remained pending. However, sources said one male patient was also admitted in the ward today.

Family members said the 29-year-old woman of Siliguri had been staying in the Arab country and suffered from cough after few days of her return home.

Another 22-year-old of Gorubathan in Kalimpong district had been to Gujarat around 14 days ago."She is suffering from cough, cold and fever, and she was taken to the block level primary health centre at Gorubathan and they referred her to the NBMCH," a family member said.

Throat swabs of both the patients have been sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases for Covid19 tests.

Meanwhile, doctors said they were trying to increase the bed strength on a war footing."We ‘will land in a big problem if more patients are added here.We have laid focus on increasing the number of beds from six to at least 14," said a doctor.

"So far, we have not received any coronavirus positive case We are monitoring the health condition of those who are undergoing treatment in the isolation ward and are waiting for the test reports," he added.

Meanwhile, some doctors alleged there was a shortage of gloves, masks and sanitisers for medical service providers at the medicine department of the NBMCH.

"There are no gloves and masks for doctors to treat patients at the medicine department. But on a priority basis, the NBMCH authorities should make them available immediately." said Dr Somouyadeep Roy of the medicine department.

On the other hand, spraying of chlorine compound-sodium hypochlorite—started at the isolation ward, emergency ward and out patient department at north Bengal's premier health institution today. A snake was spotted when the cleanliness drive was going on outside the isolation ward today.